Countdown to flu 2010
With influenza, high fever, chills and fatigue are very common. While there is usually a cough, it is often a dry hacking cough, and does not usually get productive like the common cold unless you begin to get a secondary infection. Onset is rapid and symptoms can be severe. Here is the description from iTriage: Influenza is a common viral respiratory infection, and is contagious with an incubation period of 24 to 48 hours after exposure. There are three main types of influenza (A, B, C). Only type A can change its structure from year to year giving it the ability to produce widespread outbreaks. Immunity only lasts for one year requiring yearly immunization shots. The disease is usually self limited (resolves without treatment), but can be fatal in the very young, very old, or if there is a coexisting depression of the immune system. It is difficult to tell the difference between a cold and the flu based on symptoms alone. Special tests must be done within the first few days of illness to tell if you have the flu. In general the flu is worse than the common cold and symptoms such as fever (usually over 101F) and body aches are more severe with the flu.
If you feel you need to tell these conditions apart, the best way is to get a flu test at a retail clinic, urgent care, emergency room, or at your primary physician's office. Use iTriage on your phone to locate and call any facility in your vicinity.
Questions and Answers
Is there any cure for colds or the flu, the answer is “ Yes” if you are asking this question from an authentic Chinese Medicine practitioner. Thousands of years ago, Chinese medicine already knew how to effectively treat colds and the flu
This article explores the similarities and differences between the common cold and the seasonal flu. With increased media attention given to the flu, fuelled primarily by current concerns over the H1N1 virus, many people are questioning their own understanding of these common illnesses. This is the first in a 2-part series - discerning a cold from the flu. Part 2 reveals things you can do to reduce the risk of catching contracting a cold or flu.
For many individuals, though the idea of veering from the "tried and true" into the realm of Chinese herbal medicines is still an uncharted territory. Wright says that if individuals begin taking Chinese herbs at the first sign of a cold – body aches, tickling in the throat, tired, itchy eyes or simply feeling run down – they can see the symptoms dissipate and even disappear in less than 48 hours.
This article gives the reader an indepth review of the flu including the most common preventive measure vaccination, as well as treatment for those unlucky enough to get the Flu. Current Flu monitoring systems are also highlighted including the new trendsetting Google Flu Trends.
The cold and flu cause dehydration, which is part of the reason why chicken soup really does help make you feel better. Here, a pediatrician provides a recipe for chicken soup that is both nutritious and delicious.
A fast way to get gout relief is with baking soda which I've found it to be very effective. But now that I have gotten my uric acid levels under control I don't need to use this home remedy anymore.
Gout was once the 'disease of kings' due to their diet, but not any more. Anybody can have gout nowadays. Easy access to relatively cheap, mass-produced food and alcohol has meant that we are all at the mercy of gout through our diet.
Protruded discs are a major orthopedical challenge these days, as the cases of spondilitis and other chronic skeletal diseases increase in a daily basis. The orthopedic in NJ have found many solutions to this problem while working in the Center for pain management in New Jersey. The following is an insight to their unique treatment processes.
We need to keep our omega 6 foods at a minimum and include more omega 3 into our diets. Adding food items such as walnuts, chia seeds, to our salads is a simple and natural way to get our omega.
Most children demonstrate some impulsive/hyperactive behavior or have difficulty remaining on-task. Although typically found in boys, in 3-7% percent of children the inattentive, hyperactive, and/or impulsive behavior is recognized by clinician as being a significant problem that is not typical of normal development.
While the exact causes of breast cancer are still unknown, medical experts have identified several risk factors that can increase a person's odd's of developing the disease. Learn more about the risk factors are controllable and those that are not.
Frequent road warriors face a higher risk of obesity, stress and other health problems compared to their colleagues who travel less. Here are five ways to stay healthy on the road.
Freestanding Emergency Rooms are not found in every state. However for those who travel, it's wise to be aware of this growing trend in emergency medicine and what the differences are between a hospital emergency department, freestanding ER and an urgent care. First Choice Emergency Room, based in Texas is our guest blogger today to help readers learn more about new regulations that are aiding patient understanding.
A college student in Colorado died from sepsis recently three hours after arriving at a hospital ER with severe flu-like symptoms. Learn who is most at risk and how to identify the symptoms of this serious illness.
Is it pneumonia, flu or could it be mononucleosis? All three diseases share many of the same symptoms, but mono has some distinct ones like swelling in the neck and armpits. Learn more about diagnosing and treating this disease that is most common among adolescents and young adults.
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